Dermatofibroma
A dermatofibroma is a round, brownish
to red-purple growth commonly found on the legs. It is also called a
histiocytoma. It can occur anywhere, but seems to favor exposed areas.
Dermatofibromas feel like hard lumps under the skin. They're like an
iceberg in that there is more under the skin than seen on the surface.
Often these start out as red, turning later to brown, and sometimes
itch. They probably are a reaction to a minor injury, such a bug bite
or a splinter. Most commonly patients complain of knicking these
lesions with a razor when shaving.
When examining these lesions,
Dr Rosenberger will often pinch the skin in the area. Dr. Rosenberger
is trying to elicit a dimple sign in these cases. A dimple sign
is characteristic of a dermatofibroma and shows a dimpling of the skin
lesion when it is pinched.
In most all cases, dermatofibromas
are harmless and never turn cancerous. For this reason, they are
best ignored. If the diagnosis is uncertain, a biopsy
may be taken for confirmation. Usually, complete surgical removal leaves
a scar that is worse than the Dermatofibroma.
Treatment of dermatofibromas should be considered when they get in the
way of shaving or become irritated by clothing. In these cases surgical shaving
of the top or punching
out the center can be done. These treatments may only destroy the upper
part of the growth, and after a few years it may again become noticeable.
If this happens, the treatment could be repeated again if desired.
If a growth that was thought to be a dermatofibroma grows, bleeds or
becomes very painful, or if there is any concern that it may be a skin
cancer, the growth should be biopsied.
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